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Sex, Lies, and Videotape
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Sex, Lies, and Videotape

Sex, Lies, and Videotape

1989
Drama
1h 40m
Ann is married to John, who is having an affair with her sister Cynthia. Ann's a quiet type and unwilling to let herself go. When John's old friend, Graham, shows up, all their lives change. Graham likes to videotape interviews with women.

Directed by:

Steven Soderbergh

Screenwriter:

Steven Soderbergh

Starring:

Peter Gallagher, Andie MacDowell, James Spader, Laura San Giacomo, Steven Brill

Genre:

Drama

Country:

USA

Language:

English
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Sex, Lies, and Videotape

1989
Drama
1h 40m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 59.58% from 2367 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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barthalenBarthalen
Rated 09 Mar 2011
76
70th
A small cast well-suited to the material (Spader is wonderfully awkward and creepy), a simple story that slowly builds momentum, and great music that really warps the atmosphere whenever it is used. At first I wondered at what point it would become interesting, and in the end I could not look away if I tried. Extra impressive considering it's Soderberghs debut.
Rated 09 Mar 2011
miss_marpleMiss Marple
Rated 18 Sep 2011
75
57th
It's a simple movie to be honest, but it has some secret magic that reminded me very much of "The Secretary" ( same atmosphere, same rhythm, same mood) .The performances are superb from all four leads.I liked the brutal honesty of the characters and how they were motivated by sex.
Rated 18 Sep 2011
icarusIcarus
Rated 20 Nov 2009
87
83rd
Excellent film about the fractured lives that result from dishonesty. Soderbergh allows each of the characters to be individuals, to be full-blooded human beings distinct from one another and not easily categorized into cliches. Soderbergh patiently allows his camera to linger on his actors, and nicely uses video footage to mirror Spader's intellectual hang-ups. Well done film all around.
Rated 20 Nov 2009
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 29 May 2007
9
90th
This film showcases the true talent of Soderbergh. Too bad it wasn't viewed by more people. Great (well, superb) writing and a great performance by James Spader.
Rated 29 May 2007
cclzaCCLZA
Rated 29 Jan 2007
80
77th
Back when independent filmmaking was really something "different".
Rated 29 Jan 2007
st_bernaSt. Berna
Rated 28 Jul 2023
80
71st
Tuhaf bir film. Hem bir çok filmden izler taşıyor gibi, hem de çok özgün gibi. İlgi çekici bir deneme, bir ilk uzun metraja göre başarılı. Filmin genelinde seste ciddi problem var gibi geldi bana yalnız. Telefon konuşmaları, diyaloglar çoğu yerde eğreti durmuş bu ses sorunu yüzünden. Fakat filmin kendine has etkileyici havasını oluşturan en önemli unsurlardan biri olan minimalist müziğini çok beğendim. Soderbergh'i sevmem, ama bu filmini sevdim.
Rated 28 Jul 2023
twincinematwincinema
Rated 25 Apr 2021
60
35th
This is a film I'd rather discuss than watch. It has a slow, meditative quality to it, from the pace of the dialogue, to the yoga studio-like score. I did like the discussions of intimacy without showing anything erotic. But, because of Spader's hair, I kept envisioning him having to go to hockey practice. He had a Wayne Gretzky vibe.
Rated 25 Apr 2021
nobambanobamba
Rated 09 May 2020
70
76th
Very Soderbergh intimate view of a few intertangled relationships. Spader was too sexy. MacDowell played a prude. San Giacomo's flirty sister was almost too much. Gallagher was probably the weakest out of the 4 but gets a decent arc. In fact everything wrapped itself up fairly tidily. Fav scene: Spader destroying his tapes and the camera
Rated 09 May 2020
le_mamile mami
Rated 07 Jun 2018
35
23rd
There is a strangeness inside the film but not an fluid one. Film stucks in many places giving the feeling where nothing particular is going to happen. The story is not so strong to go along with the interesting character of James Spader. Time by time, he becomes more banal, ordinary person even if he is not
Rated 07 Jun 2018
three-questions_ii???
Rated 09 Dec 2012
37
22nd
It opens with a scene of James Spader driving. Plus, I actually liked his character and the relationships, in the curious beginning... Too bad they melted into a psychological puddle, and the director doesn't seem to have enough visual inspiration to make anything happen.
Rated 09 Dec 2012
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 26 Jan 2010
86
71st
Talky, but involving. Sort of an English language Rohmer film.
Rated 26 Jan 2010
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 18 Nov 2009
88
80th
Great screenplay and performances, and the minimalist score perfectly captures the tension. Now I see what the fuss must have been all about.
Rated 18 Nov 2009
anselmi86Anselmi86
Rated 14 Aug 2009
86
81st
Remarkable low-budget filmmaking with a greatly original script. James Spades is simply fantastic.
Rated 14 Aug 2009
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 06 Dec 2008
9
93rd
It shouldn't be this entertaining...but it is. Wonderful debut from Soderbergh and a landmark in indie film history. Andie MacDowell can't act but it doesn't take away from the film too much. Maybe Soderbergh's best.
Rated 06 Dec 2008
paulofilmopaulofilmo
Rated 30 May 2008
74
90th
I sort of see it as Indie's dirty, jaded uncle. While there are better modern independents, slv has a special prestige.
Rated 30 May 2008
adrianadrian
Rated 09 Dec 2007
90
97th
Soderbergh's first feature and in my opinion his finest, most earnest work. Probably MacDowell's and Spader's best turns as well.
Rated 09 Dec 2007
sapphireSapphire
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
95th
Stunningly brilliant film that concerns how we hide in relationships - & the lies that we tell ourselves & each other. Completely original & very surprising. Laura San Giacomo & James Spader are incredible. The shot of Peter Gallagher sitting in front of the TV (immediately after he's watched the videotape, knowing full well what's going through his mind) gets me every time.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
sproostsproost
Rated 13 Aug 2023
75
79th
On rewatch duty: i never connect completely with this movie but i recognize its class. At one point i started comparing Andie MacDowell to Margaret Qualley - mostly because they're mother and daughter but even without that in mind they really look and act alike. Incredible, DNA is really quite something. Maybe the scientists were right after all. My girlfriend loves James Spader. She's a big fan. I wouldn't be able to point him out in a police lineup. We're both ok with that.
Rated 13 Aug 2023
mrcimrci
Rated 27 Jul 2022
70
68th
Subtle and engaging simple story told in a simple yet effective way.
Rated 27 Jul 2022
neonmanNeonman
Rated 02 Jul 2022
69
35th
A bit too small and slight, and it seems to only get going right at the end, which is an excellent climax that cleverly works with videotape offering the exposition. It's a well written and well acted moment, though everything around it just feels plain and sophomoric.
Rated 02 Jul 2022
pyrosexualpyrosexual
Rated 02 Jan 2022
70
30th
Soderbergh was always kind of a hack I guess.
Rated 02 Jan 2022
matthagenmatthagen
Rated 22 Nov 2020
57
67th
Seen: 2. I continue to have complicated feelings toward this movie, and I suspect that is the point. I don't like any of these people, and I don't really relate to them either. So why do I care what happens? There is something going on here that digs its claws into my skin, and I can't put my finger on it necessarily. This is a strange beast. I will have to revisit it again in another 15 years.
Rated 22 Nov 2020
honeybHoneyB
Rated 11 Oct 2020
79
72nd
Multiple sexual awakenings.
Rated 11 Oct 2020
duderDuder
Rated 05 Apr 2020
70
75th
Somehow it draws you in. Soderbergh very calm and subtle directing and camera movements keep you on your toes and always in wonder. Coupled with decent acting, it is a genee of film that stands apart.
Rated 05 Apr 2020
ephedrinephedrin
Rated 28 Mar 2020
80
89th
Obsessive-compulsive disordered people are always good material for movies. This movie like unstoppable avalanche inside Soderbergh's characters' brains.
Rated 28 Mar 2020
peyrinpeyrin
Rated 29 May 2019
70
56th
Definitely see the influences of the rhythm and filmmaking this would have on a generation of indie films (loved the indoor compositions through doorways and hallways). Loved every part of the cast.
Rated 29 May 2019
larmorlarmor
Rated 01 Apr 2019
35
20th
Stereotypical characters. Women cannot be anything between prudes or sex-driven dolls sleeping with their sister's husband. Bad acting. There may be something to the psychology of the movie but based on other movies by Soderbergh, I highly doubt there's anything profound there. Overall, this is probably Soderbergh's fantasy of being a 25-year old pseudo-tortured filmmaker finally getting the beauty queen and revealing her sex drive.
Rated 01 Apr 2019
kitty19Kitty19
Rated 19 Jan 2019
10
2nd
Gross, Creepy and Lame.
Rated 19 Jan 2019
metalhankmetalhank
Rated 30 Oct 2018
58
34th
Recently watched this (for the first time) and I guess I'm not much of a Soderbergh fan as I don't seem to rate any of his films very high. I just kept waiting for something to really happen and no, just more dialogue which was 'trying' to be edgy.
Rated 30 Oct 2018
bhajansunlobhajansunlo
Rated 05 Mar 2018
81
88th
It has the eerie charm and is always engaging.
Rated 05 Mar 2018
parexus2Parexus2
Rated 08 Nov 2016
82
97th
What a brilliant cast. This movie is just so well-written in terms of characters and dialogue, though some parts can be very predictable.
Rated 08 Nov 2016
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 25 Apr 2016
78
57th
Pretty watchable. The first half was better than the second, where the pace starts to drag a bit. All of the actors did a good job. The script was interesting but the story a bit light. Not a bad effort for a first-time director, and feels like it has aged well.
Rated 25 Apr 2016
cowmanCowman
Rated 13 Apr 2016
60
28th
A rather melodramatic endeavor which often feels like a long episode of some generic soap series. All lead characters are silly as hell and their stupid decisions angered me a little bit. Maybe slightly provocative back in the day, but not anymore.
Rated 13 Apr 2016
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 02 Feb 2016
60
36th
Everyone says the writing is good yet I found the dialogue completely unnatural and stilted. I'll give it credit that the plot around it was pretty good. The acting was ok, but Spader was the only one that really stood out at all.
Rated 02 Feb 2016
atimodosatimodoS
Rated 20 Aug 2014
89
10th
hardly forgettable
Rated 20 Aug 2014
zipsterZipster
Rated 11 Aug 2014
85
68th
The account of sex, lies and videotape is part of a bygone 1990s indie filmmaking mythology, how 29-year-old writer-director Steven Soderbergh hammered out the script on a week's trip to LA, how the film was made for roughly one million, how it won the Palme d'Or. There are flashes when it reminds us of how sexy the movies could be, and once were, back in the Double Indemnity days, when language was like a foot massage.
Rated 11 Aug 2014
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 24 May 2014
4
91st
The setup; businessman, bohemian, prude and player all seemed too neat and at times motions were simply being gone through. Whilst it was well crafted -especially the use of music- it didn't really get interesting until the final act, It's psycho-melodramatics made the wait worth it.
Rated 24 May 2014
rttntomatoesrttntomatoes
Rated 03 Jan 2014
98
94th
In his feature directorial debut, Steven Soderbergh demonstrates a mastery of his craft well beyond his years, pulling together an outstanding cast and an intelligent script for a nuanced, mature film about neurosis and human sexuality.
Rated 03 Jan 2014
glm01glm01
Rated 02 Oct 2013
86
87th
85.500
Rated 02 Oct 2013
entertainmeEntertainMe
Rated 29 May 2013
88
89th
I didn't know someone could get typecast in psychosexual dramas, but James Spader did it. Not only was this a watermark for the American independent movie scene, it's a damn good film in its own right. Very intense with smart use of limited locations and cast members; it never feels cheap.
Rated 29 May 2013
hofschneiderHofschneider
Rated 10 May 2013
92
94th
What an intelligent and honest script... and what a finese, sensitve way of directing, that makes it pretty easy for the cast. And a wonderful soundtrack on top.
Rated 10 May 2013
hsncrspywlhsncrspywl
Rated 13 Feb 2013
88
84th
Incredibly strong debut from Steven Soderbergh. He has a control of the camera I've never really seen in a debut feature; always slowly teasing out details of a shot or a scene, leaving the viewer hanging on every movement to hopefully reveal something new. Excellent editing too - so much is set up with juxtaposition of montage and voiceover that it becomes masterful - and more effective when Soderbergh lets the characters deliver exposition in his sharp, naturalistic dialogue.
Rated 13 Feb 2013
glifosfatoglifosfato
Rated 13 Feb 2013
83
89th
good acting, good dialogues, feels a bit slow-paced, though. spader's character is very interesting and relatable.
Rated 13 Feb 2013
blockrockerBlockrocker
Rated 28 Dec 2012
86
73rd
Surprisingly well made and keeps the interest up quite well. And there is no 80's cheesy-problems even in acting,
Rated 28 Dec 2012
iyisinekiyisinek
Rated 03 Sep 2012
72
54th
psikologa giden kadin, aldatmak, kizkardesi ile aldatmak, eve gelen misafir, karisini aldatan koca, avukat, iktidarsizlik, video kamera, kameraya kayit, sex hakkinda konusmak, müstehcen (özellikle konusmalar, bu yönüyle lila says'e benziyor.)
Rated 03 Sep 2012
damildamil
Rated 03 Sep 2012
70
67th
I think it may have had more impact at the time, but I still enjoyed it. It felt like a first film, but in a good way - a nice indie vibe. James Spader was fantastic. The rest of the cast were also good, including the usually somewhat bland Andie McDowell. Not much happens in the film, but that's fine. It's a character piece and an exploration of sexuality.
Rated 03 Sep 2012
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 21 May 2012
80
37th
A little rough around the edges but mostly pretty good, with an independent charm that does wonders for it. Casting Andie MacDowell takes a lot of the believablity out of the story, but she's actually not bad which is surprising because I think she's an awful actress. James Spader has a really cool screen presence.
Rated 21 May 2012
sebbysebby
Rated 15 Dec 2011
75
84th
Soderbergh's best. The script is wonderful and the editing is sensational. Very impressive for a debut feature.
Rated 15 Dec 2011
caimancaiman
Rated 06 Nov 2011
83
72nd
A very good first film by a talented director. Spader's character is intriguing, and the whole movie has a great mood to it.
Rated 06 Nov 2011
hezarfenHezarfen
Rated 18 Apr 2011
40
9th
OK, I know how important this film is for film history and independent film, and for film makers - a big budget film on a tiny budget. However, it's not any good. A first film and looks like it. watch something else.
Rated 18 Apr 2011
pigeon_armyPigeon Army
Rated 08 Apr 2011
70
38th
The prototype for the far superior (though somewhat-dated) American Beauty and (the likely-to-be-dated-soon) The Kids Are All Right, SL&V seems a little tame by the standards of its spiritual successors. Muted in its presentation of unbridled yuppie 'passions' and marred by the typically hokey Andie MacDowell, SL&V still comes packaged with great performances from Spader, Gallagher and San Giacomo and some great cinematography.
Rated 08 Apr 2011
stevekimesstevekimes
Rated 28 Feb 2011
84
65th
Still the best Soderburgh film. Brilliant and curious.
Rated 28 Feb 2011
rufamRufam
Rated 29 Jan 2011
75
72nd
This remains Soderbergh's best film, the little gem that he hasn't matched ever since. It plays out like an intriguing, sexy and very well-written examination of sexual relationships, bolstered by solid acting and effective directorial gimmicks. It's true that it doesn't fully explore its potential and the ending feels underwhelming -still, this is a compelling experimental picture, featuring one of the very few decent Andie MacDowell performances. She really has a thing with rain, doesn't she?
Rated 29 Jan 2011
glmglm
Rated 01 Jan 2011
85
80th
85.250
Rated 01 Jan 2011
sinclairSinclair
Rated 20 Nov 2010
83
60th
Most impressive debut since Resevoir Dogs. I don't like Andie McDowell, but she does a fine job here.
Rated 20 Nov 2010
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 17 Oct 2010
70
79th
A great script and debut from Soderbergh. Spader and his ever present creepiness is the highlight.
Rated 17 Oct 2010
bookhouseboybookhouseboy
Rated 08 Sep 2010
54
69th
#90s(e)#, reviews, story.
Rated 08 Sep 2010
andaybandayb
Rated 03 Jun 2010
60
46th
couldn't quite get the hype around this one. it is certainly different than the bs hollywood was cranking around during its time, but still, it comes off as rather odd and self indulgent. Soderbergh touches some interesting ideas here and there, but the resolution is weak, and the story is forgettable. on the bright side, Spader is surprisingly good.
Rated 03 Jun 2010
dooooooleydooooooley
Rated 18 May 2010
95
95th
the unique sound design backs up the deviant messages of this film. really enjoyed it in all dimensions
Rated 18 May 2010
chemical404chemical404
Rated 21 Jan 2010
79
94th
great script, acting and floating camera. Sobenbergh's little masterpiece. It's rare to see such powerful human relationship drama. I actually looked the same way after watching this film as Peter Gallagher's character after watching videotape in it.
Rated 21 Jan 2010
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 31 Oct 2009
72
75th
So natural and easy to follow that its absorbing and provocative plot will stay with you for a long time. Impressive debut by Soderbergh, which helped to develop a new wave of independent american cinema in the following decade.
Rated 31 Oct 2009
honestliarHonestliar
Rated 16 Jul 2009
68
20th
boring
Rated 16 Jul 2009
dewalldewall
Rated 04 Mar 2009
80
93rd
Been awhile
Rated 04 Mar 2009
turinturin
Rated 29 Jan 2009
50
21st
Unusual and provocative by then standards, it feels more like a better soap opera to me now.
Rated 29 Jan 2009
qvtQVT
Rated 02 Jan 2009
45
53rd
Very odd. I saw sandy cohens balls!
Rated 02 Jan 2009
uniquenameUniqueName
Rated 30 Dec 2008
22
2nd
This movie is all kinds of dumb.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
wanderkidwanderkid
Rated 15 Dec 2008
70
31st
But only for James Spader.
Rated 15 Dec 2008
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 12 Dec 2008
74
85th
godo movie
Rated 12 Dec 2008
teeceeteecee
Rated 17 Sep 2008
23
22nd
gaab, yuppiens godnat
Rated 17 Sep 2008
timon88Timon88
Rated 29 Jun 2008
91
96th
Stupendous. I still vividly remember seeing this in the theater when it first came out. Everything is right--the writing, casting, direction, camera work...everything. Even re-watching it, I still hold my breath when the final sequence of Ann's videotape begins, just like I did in the theater all those years ago. Stunning directorial feature debut from Soderbergh... too bad it turned out to be his peak. I don't think James Spader or Andie MacDowell have ever had roles/performances this great.
Rated 29 Jun 2008
octane_deathOctane Death
Rated 21 Apr 2008
75
59th
James Spader in the role of creepy guy that has a point. Well filmed.
Rated 21 Apr 2008
dustydDustyd
Rated 16 Sep 2007
75
79th
strong with good acting and dialogue
Rated 16 Sep 2007
drewlephantDrewlephant
Rated 24 Aug 2007
60
36th
Nothing special. Steven Soderbergh has done a lot of better things than this.
Rated 24 Aug 2007
stflyst_fly
Rated 23 Aug 2007
68
64th
Good
Rated 23 Aug 2007
vince_leoVince Leo
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
91st
Soderbergh makes a more than impressive debut, as a writer and as a director, and crafts a one-of-a-kind drama that grips you like no Hollywood thriller could.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
neuroticerotNeuroticErot
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
70th
It IS raining.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
lockeenderlockeender
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
12th
okay flick, kinda boring, unique but I don't find it special
Rated 14 Aug 2007
svicciarellisvicciarelli
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
32nd
Seen it - didn't get what the hype was all about.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
citysqwirlcitysqwirl
Rated 14 Aug 2007
71
38th
When I first saw this, I was impressed by how small-scale and nicely noticed this movie was, but I'm not sure its insights have aged well. Peter Gallagher is very hot in it, though!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
78th
Score based on distant memory.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
jhezabeeJhezabee
Rated 11 Jun 2007
80
49th
I was really taken in by this for some reason.
Rated 11 Jun 2007
martrynmartryn
Rated 25 Mar 2007
82
81st
I am an older man, now, than when I first saw this some 20 years ago. I have a new found appreciation for this sort of drama. Shit hits differently once you get some life experience in you.
Rated 25 Mar 2007
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 22 Feb 2007
55
49th
Not bad.
Rated 22 Feb 2007

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